This is the Big Bear area's group camp for larger gatherings, tucked into mixed conifer forest at 6,800 feet. One site handles up to 40 people and eight vehicles, with Big Bear Lake fishing and boating less than 10 miles away. Expect a dirt road approach and vault toilets, but plenty of shade and nearby meadows.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 34.22342, -116.97163
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 909-866-8550
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Bluff Mesa sits in a secluded pocket of mixed conifer forest with mature trees throwing shade across most of the single group site. The grassy understory opens into meadows that give the gathering space to spread out beyond the picnic tables and campfire circle. At 6,800 feet elevation, it's cooler than the desert below but still accessible via dirt road 45 miles from San Bernardino.
The site comes equipped with grills and picnic tables for the full 40-person capacity, with gravel parking for eight vehicles. Vault toilets handle the basics, but there's no drinking water, hookups, or trash service — pack it all in and out.
What to Know
This is a reservation-only group site bookable up to 12 months in advance. The dirt road access means you're not dealing with RV traffic, but it also means checking weather conditions before heading up, especially in winter months.
Nearby
Trailheads for hiking and mountain biking routes start right from camp, threading through the surrounding forest. Rock climbing routes lie within reach for those bringing gear. Big Bear Lake sits less than 10 miles away with trout, bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for anglers, plus the usual lake activities of boating and swimming.
The Big Bear Discovery Center on the far side of the lake offers visitor facilities, interpretive trails, and educational programs if the group includes kids or anyone wanting to learn more about the area's natural history.